Spring is *Almost* in the Air: TCM Tips for Allergies in Calgary

Spring is working hard to stay put in Calgary, and unfortunately so are allergy symptoms!

Despite the on again, off again snow, many of my patients are already feeling spring in the air when it comes to allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose, and skin symptoms like dry patches, redness and hives. Thankfully, I have some TCM tips to get you through the tough spring transition!

Below are 3 tips both for managing existing symptoms and preventing future symptoms, whether or not your allergies have arrived for the year.

1) Get acupuncture: Acupuncture is wonderful for both preventing seasonal allergies and helping manage irritating allergy symptoms if they’ve already started.

A study published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that acupuncture was effective at reducing allergy symptoms with no side effects. You can read the full article here.

The best time to start acupuncture is a month before symptoms usually start, in order to prevent them from getting too intense. But don't fret- even if your symptoms have already kicked in, acupuncture can still help!

In an acupuncture session with me, I can also recommend herbal formulas, diet and lifestyle tips, and acupressure points to further support you.

2) Support gut health: Seasonal allergies are an excess immune reaction in your body, and the immune system is regulated in part by the nerves in your gut, so good gut health is essential for a balanced immune response. ⠀

Simple ways to start working on your gut health include: reducing cold and raw foods in your diet (such as ice water, salads, smoothies and ice cream), avoid hydrating for at least half an hour before and after a meal (small sips are ok but large amounts of water dilute your digestive enzymes and stomach acid), and incorporating gut supporting food and nutrients such as probiotics, lightly cooked or steamed vegetables, soups and broths.

3) Try chrysanthemum tea: Chrysanthemum, known as Ju Hua in Chinese, is a wonderful antidote in Chinese Herbal Medicine to spring allergy symptoms. It helps calm itchy skin and eyes, relieve heat and inflammation in the body, and supports the Liver system, so can be helping for headaches and migraines - another big symptom of Calgary spring weather.

If allergy symptoms are starting to get to you, book an acupuncture appointment today to keep them from progressing this season!